Alternative Medications For Anxiety Attacks

By reading this article you will be able to know various kinds of Alternative Medicines which can be use to combat or at least relieve anxiety disorders.

Anxiety is the body and mind's response to a dangerous or distressing situation. Everyone experiences some degree of anxiety at some time. However, anxiety can occur persistently, often triggered by vague notions of a threat, and interfere with normal activities.

According to the landmark 1993 Harvard Medical School survey on alternative medicines, more than 25 percent of people with anxiety use unconventional therapies to find relief. They most commonly relied on relaxation techniques and guided imagery. In Western culture, alternative "medicine" is any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine", or "that which has not been shown consistently to be effective." It is often opposed to evidence based medicine and encompasses therapies with an historical or cultural, rather than a scientific, basis. The American National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) cites examples including naturopathy, chiropractic medicine, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, homeopathy, acupuncture, and nutritional-based therapies, in addition to a range of other practices.

In order to choose the alternative medicine for anxiety that's best for you, it's important to educate yourself about the available options.

Many people do benefit from some of alternative medicines techniques and medicines such as:

Homeopathy for Anxiety

Homeopathic medicine is particularly promising for psychological conditions such as anxiety. Treatment stimulates the ability of the mind and body to return to a healthy state. Homeopathy uses highly diluted doses of natural substances, which would bring on anxiety symptoms if given in full strength to a healthy person. The substances are from plant, mineral, and animal sources.

Common remedies for anxiety include argentum nitricum, gelsemium sempervirens (for test anxiety), lycopodium (for performance anxiety), aconite, arsenicum, kaliphos, and phosphorus.

Herbal Medicine for Anxiety

Several herbs have the ability to act on the nervous system, bringing on states of relaxation and tranquility. Others can relax tense muscles, ease stress-related headaches, soothe an upset stomach, or encourage sound sleeping.

Kava kava, a member of the pepper family, can induce calm feelings and ease muscle tension. It's available in tincture and capsule form.

Skullcap, an herb that was used extensively in Native American medicine, may ease emotional tension and headaches, as well as improve sleep. It is commonly used in capsule form, as a tea (made with the fresh herb), or as a tincture.

Valerian root has a calming, sleep-inducing effect for most people. (A few people experience the opposite effect.) The herb should be taken in low doses before bedtime. It can be taken as a tea made with fresh or dried root, but the taste and smell are rather unpleasant; extract and capsule form may be easier to tolerate.

Some other herbs that can be helpful include:

• chamomile
• lemon balm
• passionflower
• St. John's wort
• vervain

Hypnotherapy for Anxiety

Hypnotherapy holds that people with anxiety can learn to release tension and effectively respond to stressful situations if their minds are prepared to do so. During a hypnotic trance, the subconscious mind is given gentle, positive suggestions, which are selected according to what situations and circumstances trigger an anxiety attack.

The treatments can be guided by a hypnotist or done by the person with anxiety (called self-hypnosis).

Other Anxiety Therapies

• Aromatherapy for Anxiety -- Essential oils from benzoin, lavender, and marjoram may be helpful.
• Biofeedback Training for Anxiety -- Several types of biofeedback, including electrodermal activity and finger pulse, can teach a person to prevent anxiety and panic attacks. The training is typically coupled with relaxation techniques.
• Bodywork for Anxiety -- Massage, dance therapy, and other forms of bodywork can reduce stress and improve the sense of well-being.
• Guided Imagery and Creative Visualization for Anxiety -- Mental exercises can bring a relaxed state similar to that of hypnotherapy.
• Nutritional Therapy for Anxiety -- Treatment may include dietary changes (such as eliminating caffeine and food additives) and nutritional supplements (such as calcium and magnesium).
• Yoga for Anxiety -- Postures and breathing exercises may improve energy levels, boost blood circulation, and ease tension.
• Qigong for Anxiety -- Exercise and mental techniques, part of traditional Chinese medicine, can improve breathing and reduce stress. 

Meditation for Anxiety

Meditation can help people with anxiety by making them calmer and less vulnerable to stress and tension. People performing meditation exercises take an active role in their treatment, teaching themselves how to quiet or clear the mind.

Various clinical studies have shown that during meditation the body is altered in ways that are beneficial for people with anxiety: For example, the rate of metabolism drops and blood pressure decreases.

Studies have also revealed anxiety-reducing results with transcendental meditation (TM), a type of meditation used in Ayurvedic medicine. Meditation can be performed several times a week (even daily) or just before an anxiety-provoking situation, such as giving a speech.

Acupuncture

Some evidence shows that acupuncture may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, especially when combined with behavioral therapies (including psychotherapy). One study showed that benefits lasted as long as one year after treatment. Acupuncturists treat people with anxiety based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. With anxiety, a qi deficiency is often detected in the kidney or spleen meridians. In addition to performing needling techniques, acupuncturists may also use lifestyle and breathing techniques as well as herbal and dietary therapy.

Special Considerations:

Certain supplements may help relieve anxiety, although it isn't clear about how much they help or what possible side effects they might have. Be sure to tell your health care provider if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before taking herbal remedies or supplements to make sure they're safe for you and won't interact with any medications you take. Call your provider if you experience any significant side effects from prescribed medications. Avoid kava kava, valerian, and St. John's wort if you are pregnant or nursing.

For more information and help on recovery for anxiety, see:

www.healing-anxiety.com

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